The 5+5 Joint Military Commission has raised concerns regarding the rise of hate speech in Libya, emphasizing its impact on national unity and security. They call for accountability among leaders and agencies responsible for inciting discord. The UNSMIL also conducted a seminar addressing the challenges posed by hate speech and outlining strategies to combat it, highlighting the urgent need for a cohesive effort to mitigate tensions.
The 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) recently issued a warning regarding the escalating prevalence of hate speech in Libya, expressing grave concerns over actions that fragment the nation’s social fabric and jeopardize national security. The JMC emphasized the significance of prioritizing national interests and urged officials, security agencies, and political leaders to take immediate action against those responsible for inciting discord among various cities and regions.
In conjunction with this, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) facilitated a seminar in collaboration with the 5+5 JMC to discuss the repercussions of hate speech on the stability of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The seminar centered on the pervasive issue of hate speech, misinformation, and incitement across both traditional and digital media platforms within Libya.
During the discussions, UNSMIL underscored the detrimental effects of incitement on the integrity of the ceasefire and Libya’s overall social cohesion. The conversation aimed to identify practical strategies to combat these issues and limit their proliferation, referencing Article 5 of the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2020.
UNSMIL reiterated the urgent necessity to eliminate all forms of incitement in the media, particularly on social networks, and to prevent intentional efforts to deepen divisions among Libyans. The organization called upon community leaders and local authorities to intensify initiatives aimed at reducing tension in public discourse and addressing the underlying causes of current hostilities.
In summary, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, alongside UNSMIL, has recognized the critical threat posed by hate speech to Libya’s national unity and security. There is a strong call for accountability and proactive measures to combat incitement. By fostering unity and addressing the roots of discord, Libyan leaders can work towards maintaining peace and stability within the nation.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
